Method for treating carpal tunnel syndrome

DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is noted that the above referenced tests elucidate a particular symptomology but provide no information regarding the etiology of "carpal tunnel syndrome".
Repetitive motion activities frequently are associated with repetitive or protracted wrist extension, repetitive or protracted forearm pronation or a combination thereof.
None of these activities normally would be expected to compress or otherwise compromise the carpal tunnel, yet they create these complaints.
In the workplace, the complaint frequently has bilateral occurrence.
Splinting the wrist seldom resolves the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
The present inventor has observed that local injection of the radial supinator canal usually gives far greater and more pronounced relief of the condition than injection of the wrist.
This suggests that the compression of the median nerve may be occurring in the forearm rather than in the carpal tunnel.
The invention provides an adjustable band to be worn by a patient presenting the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The invention comprises a band means for applying transaxial pressure selectively to the extensor, flexor and supinator muscles (target tissues) of the forearm while, at the same time, not substantially compressing non-target tissues of the forearm.
Prior art circular armbands merely function as a tourniquet to impede blood flow up the arm.
It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a compression band for use on the forearm which will apply transaxial compression selectively to the flexor, extensor and supinator muscle masses in the forearm without substantially compressing non-target tissues.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a compression band for use around the forearm comprising a substantially inelastic strap with two discrete, inwardly protruding skin-contacting members on the forearm-facing surface of the strap for selectively pressing against the flexor and extensor muscles.
Another object of this invention is to provide a forearm compression band with means on the inner surface thereof for selectively applying transaxial countercompression against the extensor and flexor muscle wad where said countercompression means may be easily adjusted by the user while in use